On the question of principles for reading of uncommon signs in some runic inscriptions found in Central Asia (Based on Materials of the Ritual Complex Biyreg in the Mongolian Altai)

Abstract

The article is devoted to an attempt at interpreting two rare signs of runiform inscriptions of the Asian area based on a reading of a clearly recorded inscription discovered during field work in the Biyreg ritual complex of the Mongolian Altai. The analysis of the excavated archeological objects allows us to relate the inscription to the tribal group Türk (Chin. Tū-jué 突厥) and does it possible to date it, with enough certainty, by the period of the late 7th — first half of the 8th centuries, i.e. the period of the socalled Second Türkic Qaghanate. i.e. the period of the so-called Second Türkic Qaghanate. According to authors, the reading of the inscription can be based on the graphical fund of the Old Türkic runic inscriptions. Preliminary interpretation of signs, atypical for Old Türkic writing monuments of Asian Areal, permits us to suggest the following reading of the inscription. Transliteration: k2l2r1ŚƏn1ČM(IM?)Əš1w1 Transcription: k(e)l (a)rśi-ə (a)n(a)č(ï)m-ə šu! Translate: ‘Oh, let’s come, ah, noble (or saint), ah, our dear mother!’. Considering this hypothetical reading, the authors do not rush to offer any interpretation of the contents of the inscription. Refs 43. Figs 3.